16 Sep
any MORTGAGE experts here?
tom asked:
i’m buying a co-op unit and need to shop for a mortgage. I don’t know anything about mortgages. how do i comparison shop for a mortgage? what do i look for when i’m comparison shopping for a mortgage?
Ana
i’m buying a co-op unit and need to shop for a mortgage. I don’t know anything about mortgages. how do i comparison shop for a mortgage? what do i look for when i’m comparison shopping for a mortgage?
Ana
Brandon
The first thing you need is a Realtor that can help guide you as to what you need. If you are a first-time buyer, buying real estate without a Realtor is a mistake.
1) You won’t get a discount for not using one.
2) It’s the same as going to court without a lawyer, you are signing a contract worth tens of thousands without legal representation.
3) A Loan Officer works on commission and a Realtor has a better incentive to get you to a good lender…b/c if the LO can’t make the loan close, the Realtor doesn’t get paid either.
September 19th, 2009 at 12:08 amWendy
Mortgage rates are about the same everywhere, currently at 6.45%. Every conforming loan is decioned using a standard recipe of documentation. Keep to larger banks, do not use mortgage brokers. Brokers work on commission, so if a large bank (like Bank of America) charges 6.625% par(0 points)rate then a broker can only make money 1 of 2 ways. Chrage a higher rate and make par plus pricing (bank pays them points for you taking the higher rate) or charge you origination, discount points, or a broker fee which you have to pay even if the lender/bank doesn’t approve your loan. They do work for free.
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:02 amAlso, I put a couple of websites below that offer disinterested 3rd party information just for consumers to help understand the process.
Hope they help!
Jeff
I found interesting information about your answer & the best MORTGAGE experts here.
September 25th, 2009 at 12:22 amGood luck!
Daniel
The best way to find a mortgage company is the old-fashioned way — through referrals. Seriously, ask your family, friends and coworkers who they’ve worked with and who they trust. Finding a mortgage professional you can trust is the most important factor.
Don’t worry too much about not knowing anything about mortgages. Leave that to the professionals. If your mortgage banker is honest and trustworthy, you shouldn’t have any problems and you’ll get the best deal possible.
Once you have a few trusted sources for mortgages, ask them what rates they can offer, what your monthly payment will be, should you have a fixed or adjustable rate mortgage, and how much will your closing costs and fees be?
Also, when considering total monthly payment, don’t forget about taxes, insurance and other monthly expenses (utilities for example).
The bottom line is to go with someone that has done a good job for someone you know and you’ll be ok. At Quicken Loans, the majority of our business comes from referrals!
I’ve included a link to information for first time home buyers. You’ll probably find it useful. Good luck!
September 27th, 2009 at 6:53 am